Human Resources Director

Job Purpose

Dover Court International School | Nord Anglia Education
Singapore (Dover)
Reporting to: Principal

Dover Court International School, part of the Nord Anglia Education global family, is seeking an exceptional Human Resources Director to lead and evolve our people strategy.

This is a senior leadership role for a values-driven HR professional who is passionate about employee experience, inclusive culture and organisational excellence. You will play a critical role in shaping a workplace where people feel supported, respected and empowered to do their best work - in service of outstanding student outcomes.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Diversity of thought, perspective and identity is a strength we value deeply.

About the Role

As Human Resources Director, you will be a trusted strategic partner to the Principal and Executive Leadership Team, while also providing strong operational leadership across the full employee lifecycle. You will lead a professional HR team, collaborate closely with regional HR colleagues, and ensure best-practice people management that is compliant with Singapore employment and immigration legislation.

This role is ideal for a confident, empathetic and commercially astute HR leader who can balance strategy with hands-on delivery, governance with care, and consistency with humanity.

Key Responsibilities

People Strategy, Recruitment & Workforce Planning

• Partner with the Principal and Regional HR Director to shape and deliver an annual people and resourcing plan aligned to school strategy.
• Lead inclusive, transparent and high-quality recruitment processes that attract diverse, high-calibre talent.
• Ensure an outstanding candidate and onboarding experience from first contact through induction.
• Oversee safeguarding, pre-employment and compliance checks in line with Nord Anglia Education standards.
• Support staff relocation to Singapore where required.
• Lead onboarding, induction and orientation programmes that foster belonging and engagement.
• Manage exits and repatriation processes with professionalism, empathy and care.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Lead employee relations matters with fairness, consistency and sensitivity.
• Provide clear, timely and respectful communication on people-related matters.
• Build strong, trusted relationships across the school to proactively understand and address employee needs.
• Lead the Employee Engagement Survey and support meaningful action planning and follow-through.

HR Leadership, Advice & Insight

• Act as a trusted advisor to school leaders on all HR matters, balancing best practice, policy, legislation and organisational culture.
• Champion equity, wellbeing, engagement and retention across the school community.
• Use HR data, insights and metrics to support informed decision-making and workforce planning.
• Support internal communications, particularly where issues are sensitive or complex.

Compensation, Payroll & Benefits

• Oversee staffing costs and workforce budgets.
• Ensure payroll is delivered accurately, on time and in full compliance with contractual and legal requirements.
• Oversee employee benefits, including medical insurance, with a focus on accessibility, equity and service quality.
• Support fair, transparent and market-aligned salary decisions.
• Ensure final salary settlements are managed accurately and compassionately.

 Talent, Performance & Development

• Ensure probation, appraisal and performance management processes are meaningful, consistent and well understood.
• Partner with leaders to address performance challenges constructively and respectfully.
• Promote a culture of feedback, learning, development and continuous improvement.
• Support engagement and retention through inclusive talent and succession practices.

Learning, Safeguarding & Compliance

• Build people leadership capability by supporting and developing line managers.
• Oversee induction, training and development opportunities for support staff.
• Ensure safeguarding, child protection and safer recruitment training is fully up to date.
• Ensure compliance with Singapore employment law, immigration requirements and regulatory changes.
• Maintain strong HR governance and risk management practices.

Regional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Regional HR colleagues across the SEA&I region.
• Share best practice and contribute to regional initiatives and projects.

About You

We know that great HR leaders come from many paths. You do not need to meet every requirement below to apply - we are interested in your experience, potential and values.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional HR qualification (e.g. CIPD Level 5 or above) or equivalent.
• Significant experience in a senior, generalist HR leadership role.
• Proven experience leading and developing HR teams.
• Experience in education, international or multicultural environments is highly valued.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations and HR governance.

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal, communication and influencing skills.
• High cultural awareness and a genuinely inclusive, people-centred approach.
• Confidence to advise, challenge and support senior stakeholders constructively.
• Strategic yet pragmatic, with strong judgement and problem-solving skills.
• High levels of integrity, discretion and professionalism.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable operating in a dynamic, high-expectation environment.

Why Join Dover Court International School?

• Be part of a thriving, inclusive international school community.
• Join Nord Anglia Education, a global organisation committed to people, learning and wellbeing.
• Work in a collaborative leadership culture that values trust, respect and diverse perspectives.
• Make a meaningful, lasting impact on staff experience, culture and organisational success.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding & Inclusion

Dover Court International School and Nord Anglia Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age or background.

All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, and applicants must meet Singapore employment and visa requirements.